'You do not need London for a creative career'

Young people living near the West Yorkshire production centre behind TV hits such as Adolescence and Bank of Dave are being encouraged to consider creative careers on their doorstep.

Production Park in South Kirkby is a 100,000 sq ft rehearsal space and studio facility, where some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Pink and Coldplay, have also prepared for world tours.

Bosses at the huge facility said they were "desperately" seeking skilled practitioners from the local area.

Rachel Nicholson, Head of Institution at Academy of Live Technology, said: "We are looking for people like them, it is such an exciting career opportunity calling out for young people."

"You do not need to go down to London to have a career in the entertainment industry."

Studio 1 at Production Park is Europe's first arena-sized rehearsal studio, built in 2005 and it has hosted some of the biggest acts in the world.

Coldplay were the first band to use the space when they rehearsed for their X&Y tour.

More recently, Production Park has hosted stars such as Lady Gaga and Hugh Jackman.

Regional leaders approved a first-ever "Creative Industries Cluster Action Plan" for West Yorkshire in September.

It aims to grow the region's creative economy from £2.2bn to £4.1bn by 2035.

It outlines how 50,000 new jobs will be created in sectors such as fashion, textiles, music, screen and games, with actions to unlock affordable workspaces and improve access to skills training and finance.

"Investing in our creative industries is boosting jobs and growth in our local economy - and ensuring our young people get the chance to make it in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all," said the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.

"We are providing real routes into creative careers by offering everything from skills and training hubs, as well as direct support for freelancers and businesses.

"West Yorkshire's creative industries are booming, with so many amazing opportunities for young people to unleash their potential."

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is one of six UK regions to have been awarded £25m as part of the government's Creative Places Growth Fund.

This funding aims to accelerate new initiatives, grow existing programmes, attract private investment and create space for new ideas.

Ms Nicholson said she wanted to make people in the region more aware of the facilities they had access to.

"It really is a global industry and you can start your career right in South Kirkby," she said.

"It is not just about hosting some of the biggest acts in the world, it is also about being able to try to get people into the industry.

"It is within their reach, we desperately need more skilled practitioners to come and help us maintain being one of the biggest players in the world at this sector."

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